Halloween is a time for spooks and frights, but that’s not the only focus of the season.
A good genre opens itself up to parody and satire, something horror has done extremely well. Comedy-horror is a great genre and Halloween presents a great time to view them.
The following is a list of satirical horror films that lean more into the comedy side of the genre than the scary side. While these movies are great watches anytime of year, Halloween presents the best time to watch these comedic frights.
Young Frankenstein (1974)
Quote: “Are you saying I put an abnormal brain into a seven-and-a-half-foot long, 54-inch wide gorilla!”
Mel Brooks has made a brand around parodying popular media from Westerns with Blazing Saddles to Sci-Fi with Spaceballs. He takes a crack at the horror genre with this reimagining of Dr. Frankenstein.
True to Brooks’ brand, Young Frankenstein features some of the most clever comedy writing ever along with solid performances from Gene Wilder and Marty Feldman. Dr. Frederick Frankenstein inherits his grandfather Victor’s castle in Transylvania, recreating the monster that made his grandpa famous decades earlier.
This movie is a spoof of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein as well as the horror genre as a whole. It adds to the film to have it in black and white to better capture the parody of the original films. This film is perfect for any horror or comedy fan and is a much-watch every Halloween.
What We Do In The Shadows (2014)
Quote: “What are we? We’re werewolves, not swear-wolves.”
Before it was a hit TV show on FX, What We Do In The Shadows was a mockumentary from New Zealander duo Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement. It follows the lives of vampires living together in Wellington.
It utilizes the same goofy humor Waititi and Clement show in their other projects such as Flight of the Conchords and Thor: Ragnarok. The entire premise is ridiculous and yet the duo make it work remarkably well. Strong character performances and witty comedy are what buoy this film.
It can be rather hard to find a place to watch this film, but it is well worth the effort. You’ll see what Waititi and Clement are geniuses and get some great laughs at the well-trodden genre of vampires.
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Quote: “Take car. Go to Mum’s. Kill Phil – Sorry – grab Liz, go to the Winchester, have a nice cold pint, and wait for all of this to blow over. How’s that for a slice of fried gold?”
Back before zombie apocalypse media was all the rage, Shaun of the Dead made its debut as a satire of the genre. The inspiration is clear as the movie is obviously a spoof of Night of the Living Dead, but it finds a way to make itself more than just that.
Shaun is a listless loser who can’t seem to make much of his life. Then, the zombie apocalypse hits, forcing Shaun into a leadership role he didn’t know he could manage. The movie is set in London and leans heavily into British comedy.
What makes Shaun of the Dead so unique is that it hits you with emotion when you’re just expecting laughs. This isn’t just a spoof, it’s a satire with heart. You find yourself rooting for Shaun because, at least maybe, you see a bit of yourself in the protagonist.
The movie shows an emotional side of the apocalypse that feels out of place, though a perfect fit. Its ending felt similar to Monty Python and the Holy Grail in its abruptness and hilarity. All in all, an excellent watch for fans of zombie media.
Scary Movie (2000)
Quote: “Wazzup!”
While certainly not the first, Scary Movie was one of the pioneering films of the comedy horror genre. It’s a film that exists primarily to spoof other horrors such as Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and The Sixth Sense.
The film centers on Cindy Campbell and her friends who accidentally killed a man and disposed of his body a year ago. A bumbling killer stalks the group and attempts to murder them. While the movies it spoofs are diverse, it did seek to center on the teen slasher genre.
There’s no getting around it: This movie is stupid. And yet, that’s the charm in it. It’s one of those movies that is stupidly hilarious that you can’t help but laugh. Furthermore, it spawned a lengthy franchise that seeks to recapture the magic of this film.
The film may be dated by today’s standards, but for horror buffs, they should get most of the references. As for those not tuned into turn-of-the-millenium pop culture, there’s still something for you to laugh at.
Renfield (2023)
Quote: “I am enough. And I have enough. I deserve happiness. I am grateful for all that I am, and I take pride in who I am today. I am taking full charge of my life today!”
What happens when Dracula’s familiar becomes self-aware of the abuse he is taking? That is actually what is explored in Renfield as R.M. Renfield fights back against the power dynamic between him and Dracula.
Renfield attends group therapy for co-dependents who are in toxic relationships. Seeing himself in them, he begins the process of breaking off his long-time relationship with Count Dracula, leading the Dark One to go full scorched earth. This leaves Renfield to team up with a police officer to bring down the Prince of Darkness and a crime family.
Admittedly, this film is probably the weakest on this list. That said, it does have its merits. Nicolas Cage is absolutely unhinged as Dracula and Nicholas Hoult plays Renfield magnificently.
Furthermore, its commentary on toxic relationships is necessary and provides a lighter approach to a serious issue. Don’t go in expecting the world, but don’t overlook this one either.
Zombieland (2009)
Quote: “My mama always told me someday I’d be good at something. Who’d a guessed that something’d be zombie-killing?”
Another spoof of the zombie apocalypse, Zombieland comes just before the genre hits its stride with The Walking Dead a year later. What makes this film stand out is the excellent cast of Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, and Emma Stone.
Columbus seeks to travel across the country to see if his parents have survived the zombie apocalypse. He meets up with Tallahassee, Little Rock, and Wichita, all in search of their own goals amid a zombie-filled America.
This movie combines the comedy and horror elements nicely while adding in a sprinkle of the road trip genre. It includes some really witty writing. The name invokes the idea of an amusement park ride, which is just what viewers are in for when they watch this.
Warm Bodies (2013)
Quote: “What am I doing with my life? I’m so pale. I should get out more. I should eat better. My posture is terrible. I should stand up straighter. People would respect me more if I stood up straighter. What’s wrong with me? I just want to connect. Why can’t I connect with people? Oh, right, it’s because I’m dead.”
Warm Bodies deserves a mention on this list because it does what not many other films can: blend horror with a rom-com. Additionally, it’s another fantastic outing for Hoult as the lovestruck zombie.
R, at least that’s what he can remember of his name before becoming a zombie, is living an empty life during the zombie apocalypse. He eventually saves a young woman from an attack, forming a relationship with her that is unheard of in the new world.
Warm Bodies is further unique because of its loose adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. This comes toward the tail end of the obsession of reimagining Shakespeare and other classics as modern films. Furthermore, it provides a fresh take on a tired genre, leaving you with laughs and emotions.
What do you think about our list? Are there any comedy-horror films you like to watch this year of year? Let us know in the comments or head over to our Discord channel to join the conversation.
Featured Image: 20th Century Studios (via IMDb)
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